MINUTES OF THE REGULAR
TOWN BOARD MEETING
OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA
12 SPRING ST., SCHUYLERVILLE, NY
March 14, 2016
Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance
at
Roll call: Town Clerk Linda McCabe,
called the roll. Supervisor Thomas Wood-
present, Councilman Charles Hanehan - present, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – present,
Councilman James Jennings – absent, Councilman Gary Squires – absent.
Also
present: Zoning Officer/Building Inspector Gil
Albert, Highway
Superintendent Don Ormsby Jr., Deputy Clerk Michelle Conover, Town Attorney William Reynolds and Thomas Drew.
Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:
Supervisor
Thomas Wood stated many of the Town’s residents have recently received letters from solar farm companies, looking to
build solar farms on 20+/- acre parcels.
The Town Board acknowledges that there is a need to study, review and
plan for legislation for such farms. Due
to this, the Town Board wishes to pass Local Law # 3, 2016, to place a 6 month moratorium
on the construction of solar farms.
Proof of Advertising having
been provided, Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the Public Hearing for Local Law #
3, 2016, at 7:09 p.m., asking those wishing to speak to please state their name and address;
no one spoke.
A motion was made by
Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin to close
the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. Supervisor
Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan
– aye, Councilman James Jennings – absent, Councilman Gary Squires - absent.
Carried
3 – 0.
Local Law Filing NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE
41 STATE STREET, ALBANY, NY 12231
(Use this form to file a local law with
the Secretary of State)
Text
of law should be given as amended. Do
not include matter being eliminated and do not use italics or
underlining
to indicate new matter.
Town of Saratoga
Local
Law No. 3 of the year 2016
A
local law to enact a temporary moratorium on construction of solar farms in
The Town of Saratoga.___________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Be
it enacted by the Town Board of
the
(Name of Legislative Body)
SECTION
1 - Legislative Findings.
The
Town of Saratoga is currently undertaking a study of the effects and
suitability of establishing a land use regulatory scheme regarding construction
of solar farms in the Town of Saratoga.
The Town Board is of the opinion that a period of time is needed in
order to adequately review, study and plan for such a land us regulation.
SECTION
2 - Moratorium.
There
is enacted a temporary moratorium on the construction of solar farms, as
defined below, in the Town of Saratoga.
This moratorium shall continue for a period of six months from the effective
date of this local law.
SECTION
3 – Definition.
For
purposes of this temporary moratorium, a Solar Farm shall be defined as
follows:
A solar farm is the use of land for an installation
of solar energy collection apparatus that covers more than two acres of land.
SECTION
4 – Effective Date.
This
local law shall take effect immediately.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman
Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan to accept the
minutes of the February 8th regular meeting as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman
Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James
Jennings – absent, Councilman Gary Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0
Town Clerk’s report for February 2016: Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the Animal Population Control Program $70.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $0. Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $0. Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $305.00. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $163.50. Total State and Local Revenues received were $538.50.
Zoning Officer’s report for February 2016: Gil Albert reported: 5 Building Permit, 15 Building Inspections, 5 Certificates of Occupancy, 0 Orders to Remedy, 0 Fire inspections, 0 Complaints, 8 Building Permit Renewals, 0 Property Maintenance Inspections, and 0 miscellaneous appointments. A check for $1,897.50 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.
Dog Control officer’s report for February 2016: The report was read by Supervisor Thomas Wood: answered 11 complaints, took 0 dogs to the shelter, 0 bite cases, traveled 34 miles, issued 7 warnings and 1 summons was issued.
Town Court report for February 2016: The following were closed: 46 Vehicle & Traffic, 13 Criminal/Penal Law, 2 DEC/ENCON, 1 Dog case, 0 DWIs, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 0 Small Claims/Civil, 1 Eviction, 0 Bench trials, 0 (case transfer) Divestiture Forms sent to County Court, 2 Defendants sentenced to probation, 0 hours of community service issued, 0 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $6220.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.
Tax Collector’s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood read Tax
Collector Marge Kirkpatrick’s report. As
of March 7th, she has collected $2,875,186.76
(including penalties and notice fees) on
2700 parcels, which is 80% paid.
Historian’s report:
February 2016 Historian’s Report
February
was a quiet month in the Historian’s office.
He had 16 posts on his website with 82 visitors. The focus was on a new exhibit on Baseball
and Remembrances of the Battles. He also
had 2 inquiries in the office one of which was from Massachusetts.
The
following will take place during the month of March:
March
15, 2016: Genealogy Help Group – Schuylerville Public Library – 10:00 a.m.
March
19, 2016: Heritage Hunters – Town of Saratoga Town Hall – 1:00 p.m.
March
24, 2016: Old Saratoga Historical Association Meeting – Town of Saratoga
Town
Hall Topic of discussion - Springs of Quaker Springs - 7:30 p.m.
Assessor’s report for January 2016: none
Highway
Superintendent’s report: February 2016
v Tree trimming with truck 4, 9 and chipper
v Using boom mower to cut back shrub brush
v Addressed pot holes and washouts after a heavy
rain storm
v Maintenance on Cat Roller and Excavator is
complete
v Truck 4 was sent out for engine repairs to
cooling system
v Truck 2 had a wing cable replacement
v General maintenance on all trucks
v New truck 1 has been put in service
v Plowed for 2 storms and sanded for 3
v Watched 3 DVDs on chainsaw and tree trimming
safety
Supervisor’s
report:
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT FEBRUARY 2016
GENERAL FUND – TOWNWIDE (A FUND)
Balance on hand FEB. 1 $ 687,275.24
FEB. Revenues + 627,521.40
FEB. Disbursements - 89,443.25
Balance FEB. 29 $ 1,225,353.39
GENERAL FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)
Balance on hand FEB. 1 $ 1,471,517.24
FEB. Revenues + 4,525.57
FEB. Disbursements - 6,729.81
Balance FEB. 29 $ 1,469,313.00
HIGHWAY FUND – OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)
Balance on hand FEB. 1 $ 643,323.79
FEB. Revenues + 97,911.07
FEB. Disbursements - 58,143.73
Balance FEB. 29 $ 683,091.13
SCHUYLER PARK CAPITAL PROJECT FEB.
29 $ 151,265.19
YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE FEB. 29 $
2,821.63
HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE FEB. 29 $ 102,994.98
BUILDING RESERVE FEB. 29 $ 204,711.40
SCENIC BY WAYS
GRANT FEB. 29 $ 310.97
PARK RESERVE
FEB. 29 $ 101,956.55
FIRE PROTECTION FEB. 29 $ .06
TRUST
& AGENCY FEB. 29 $ 50,764.98
MOBILE
HOME GRANT FEB. 29 $ 10,883.04
HOME
IMPROVEMENT GRANT FEB 29 $ (33,014.96)
(holding
checks until funds are deposited)
CDBG
GRANT FEB. 29 $
15.36
HISTORIC
HUDSON HOOSICK RIVER FEB. 29 $ 191,065.96
PARTNERSHIP
v Sales Tax Received – February
2016 - $95,415.00
v January 2016 Mortgage Tax -
$7,382.50
Public comments on agenda items: None
Committee
reports: No report.
Landfill: No report.
Insurance: No report.
Youth: No report .
Senior Citizens: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the
following reports:
The Old Saratoga Seniors met on
February 17th with 40 in attendance; guest entertainment was John
Guay and Vonnie Estes. A casserole
luncheon was scheduled for March 2nd with Dave Penzer of Glens Falls
National Bank as guest speaker.
The following trips are
planned:
The Quaker Springs Seniors
met on February 8th with 15 members in attendance; guest
entertainment/speaker was Megan Stevens, Park Ranger of Saratoga National
Park.
They also met on March 14th.
Office of Emergency Management: No report.
GSES,
QSFD, SLPID/SLA Reports:
General
Schuyler Emergency Squad: February 2016 –36
total calls for the month, as follows:
Town
of Saratoga 10 calls
Town
of Northumberland 9 calls
Schuylerville 10 calls
Victory
2 calls
Mutual
Aid-Wilton 2 calls
Standby
Wilton 2 calls
ALS
assist-Easton Greenwich 1 call
Quaker Springs Fire Department: February 2016
– Total of 6 calls
Old
business:
New
business:
On a motion made by
Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #16- 53 – Recognition of the United States Postal Service’s Donation of the Hand Cancellation Stamps, was
adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin –
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – absent, Councilman
Gary Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS,
the United States Mint issued a Saratoga National Historic Park Quarter as a
part of the American the Beautiful Quarter Series and
WHEREAS,
the United States Postal Service issued special hand cancellation stamps used
for both the Quarter Launch and America’s Beautiful National Parks Pictorial
Events on November 17, 2015 and
WHEREAS,
the hand cancellation stamps were used at the US Post Office in Schuylerville,
NY and
WHEREAS,
as required by law, the cancellation stamps were defaced 65 days following the
official ceremony of November 17, 2015 and
WHEREAS,
Schuylerville Postmistress Rachel E. Norton-Rowland, with the permission of
USPS Albany District Retail Manager, Linda Moak, donated the defaced cancellation
stamps to the Town of Saratoga and
WHEREAS, Postmistress
Rachel E. Norton-Rowland also donated to the Town of Saratoga three framed,
hand stamped Historic Postcards, hand stamped October 7, 1977 and also hand
stamped with the Quarter Launch Hand Cancellation stamp of November 17, 2015,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED that the Town of Saratoga recognizes and thanks
Postmistress Rachel E. Norton-Rowland for her thoughtfulness and generous
donation of these items to the Town of Saratoga, and be it further
RESOLVED, that these historic items will be permanently
protected and placed in a locked display case at the Town of Saratoga Town
Hall.
Carried
WHEREAS, the Town has been made aware of violations of the
Town Code by Brian and Deborah Lux involving a use not permitted by the Town
Zoning Ordinance on property located at 707 Route 4, and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Officer has been
unable to resolve this issue with Brian and Deborah Lux, it is now, therefore
RESOLVED by the Town Board, of the
Town of Saratoga, to authorize legal action by the Town Attorney in local court
to enforce Town zoning compliance.
On a motion made by
Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the
following Resolution #16- 54 – Recognition of Walter
Grom’s Donation of a Limited Print, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye,
Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – absent,
Councilman Gary Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS,
the Bullard Building is a historic commercial building located in the Village
of Schuylerville and
WHEREAS,
the building is in the High Victorian Gothic style with a limestone foundation
that was built in 1881 and
WHEREAS,
the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009 and
WHEREAS,
the building has five storefront bays and originally housed the National Bank
of Schuylerville and
WHEREAS,
Walter Grom is the current Managing Partner of the building and
WHEREAS, Walter
Grom has invested a great amount of time and money to restore the building and
WHEREAS, Walter
Grom has hired Jacob Houston to paint a detailed picture of the restored
building and
WHEREAS,
Walter Grom has produced 25 copies of the original painting and
WHEREAS,
Walter Grom has donated copy number 15 to the Town of Saratoga for permanent
display in the Town Hall, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Walter Grom be
recognized and thanked for his work in restoring the building and his donation
to the Town of Saratoga of the beautiful colored print of the building
On a motion made by
Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the
following Resolution #16- 55 – Local Law #3 of 2016 Solar Farm Moratorium, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye,
Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye,
Councilman James Jennings – absent, Councilman Gary Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga
acknowledges the need to place a temporary moratorium on solar farms for
6-months to adequately study, review and plan for legislation on solar farms,
and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held and input received
from the townspeople, now therefore be it,
RESOLVED by the Town Board, of the Town of Saratoga, to
adopt Local Law
# 3 of 2016, placing a temporary moratorium on
solar farms for six months, effective immediately.
On a motion made by
Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the
following Resolution #16- 56 – Appointing Christopher Koval as Alternate Member
to the Planning Board, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael
McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings –
absent, Councilman Gary Squires – absent. Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS, there is a vacancy for an Alternate Member of the
Planning Board; therefore be it
RESOLVED,
that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga appoints
Christopher Koval as Alternate Member of the Planning Board for a seven year
term from 03/14/2016 – 12/31/2023.
On a motion made by
Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the
following Resolution #16- 57 – Authorizing Shared Services with the Town of Wilton,
was adopted
by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye,
Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – absent,
Councilman Gary Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS,
the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga has determined that it is in the best
interest of the town to save tax dollars and share services with the Town of
Wilton; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga
Supervisor is authorized to sign an Inter-Municipal Shared Services Agreement
with the Town of Wilton; and further be it
RESOLVED, that the form of such
agreement shall be subject to prior review and approval by the Attorney for the
town.
On a motion made by
Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the
following Resolution #16- 58 – Authorizing a Legal Services Agreement for the
Town of Saratoga Planning Board, was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye,
Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye,
Councilman James Jennings – absent, Councilman Gary Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS, Counsel has been requested by the Town of Saratoga to serve as
Special Legal Counsel to assist the Town Planning Board in the review process
for the Cedar Bluff Subdivision project, and
WHEREAS, Counsel shall provide the
Planning Board with legal services as requested by the Planning Board Chairman
or other authorized personnel, and
WHEREAS, Counsel shall be paid, by
the Town, for its legal representation based on the amount of time spent in accordance
with Counsel’s hourly rates of up to $190 per hour. Counsel shall submit monthly invoices for
payment by the Town accompanied by any voucher forms that the Town may require,
and
WHEREAS, Counsel shall maintain
professional liability insurance at all times during the course of its
representation of the Town, and
WHEREAS, Counsel shall not
discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, creed, gender or
national origin and Counsel shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations, therefore
be it
RESOLVED,
by the Town Board, of the Town of
Saratoga, to authorize the agreement for legal services of Miller, Mannix,
Schachner & Hafner, LLC for the duration of the Cedar Bluff Subdivision
project.
On a motion made by
Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan, the following
Resolution #16- 59 - Authorizing Legal Action –Zoning Violation, was
adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin –
aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – absent,
Councilman Gary Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS, the Town has been made aware of violations of the
Zoning Regulations of the Town of Saratoga by tenant Robin Gailor , 138 Minnie
Bennett Rd., in regards to an illegal dog kennel on said property, owned by
Robert Loomis; and
WHEREAS, the Zoning Officer has been
unable to resolve this issue with Robin Gailor and/or Mr. Loomis; it is now,
therefore
RESOLVED,
by the Town Board of the Town of
Saratoga to authorize legal action by Town Attorney William Reynolds to enforce
the Town laws.
On a motion made by
Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded
by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the following Resolution #16- 60 - Authorizing Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby
to advertise the sale of the Sterling Dump Truck, was adopted by vote:
Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye, Councilman
Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman James Jennings – absent, Councilman Gary
Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0.
WHEREAS,
the Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby Jr. has requested to sell a 2005 Sterling
LT9500 chassis, 14’ dump with plow wing and sand spreader, Eaton Fuller 10
speed transmission, C13 410 hp CAT engine with 80,500 miles; now therefore be
it
RESOLVED, that the Town Board
authorizes Highway Superintendent Don Ormsby Jr. to advertise to sell the 2005 Sterling LT9500 chassis, 14’ dump
with plow wing and sand spreader, Eaton Fuller 10 speed transmission and C13
410 hp CAT engine.
Privilege
of the floor: Doug
Niles and Thomas Drew addressed the Board.
Upcoming
meetings:
v
Agenda meeting – Thursday, April 7, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
v Regular town board meeting –
Monday, April 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles
Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin, the
following Resolution #16-61 - Approving the Payment of Bills in Abstract 3G, was
adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas
Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael McLoughlin – aye,
Councilman James Jennings – absent, Councilman Gary Squires – absent.
Carried 3 – 0.
RESOLVED,
by the Town Board of the Town of
Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract #3G in the following amounts:
General Fund A Voucher No. 46 through 93 $ 27,029.04
General Fund B Voucher
No. 11 through 16 $ 1,979.04
Schuyler Park H Voucher
No. 2 through 3 $ 79.24
Highway DB Voucher
No. 25 through 49 $106,379.61
CDBG Voucher
No. 15 through 24 $ 24,590.00
HH Voucher
No. 2 through 3 $
705.17
Grand Total $160,762.10
A motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. was made by
Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin. Supervisor
Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan – aye, Councilman Michael
McLoughlin – aye, Councilman James Jennings – absent, Councilman Gary Squires –
absent.
Carried 3 - 0
Respectfully Submitted,
Linda A. McCabe
Town Clerk